Horse farm needs tractor

[Horsetime]

Zero interest. Includes the loader. No DEF. HST. This is the 2023 version of the ck2610 w more bells and whistles plus inflation so probably the reason for the increase, had I bought in 2022 it would have been the older model and cheaper. I did ask if he had any ck2610 left and he said no, that was what I was originally calling about. When I consulted a Kioti FB page they said that the 2610 basically vanished when the new model came out as people bought them up and dealers stopped carrying them. Still looking though.

Someone had mentioned RK and Bobcat. They've both made enough changes that I'm a little concerned about them if they lose their partnership finding parts having experienced that with the MF35. Ours is down right now waiting for gaskets from a antique tractor dealer.

 

[Tractorable]

Those new CK/DK20’s are really nice….

 

[rScotty]

I think I may end up going KIOTI. I watched some reviews and comparably it looks like the KIOTI have a higher loader bucket capacity and some other features that beat out KUBOTA.

I did speak with a KIOTI dealer and he has a CK2620 (which replaced the CK2610) for $24,999. That's probably the top top of my budget depending on payments. I'd prefer to pay it off before I'm dead.

He also has the S2520 for more (forgot how much more).

Same frame, same transmission, same motor, same lift capacity, but comes with the emissions standards and the higher HP. Although I am still not sure we need the higher HP and there seems to be a way to adjust the S2620 for that on your own.

Regarding the cutter, it's a 5 foot version. I don't think I'd sell it for a 4 foot as the zero turn is the same size. I do have a friend with a sub compact and a 4 foot cutter that they are happy with but they don't have a zero turn. Once we bought the z turn the Bush hog has been sitting.

Thoughts?

Front end loader capacity should be the last thing on your list. It is too easy to change as an advertising spec and has been used as a newbie lure for decades.
I believe that anything over 800 lbs to full height will be more than you should be lifting or carrying on that size tractor anyway.
Stay away from the emissions eqipped tractors - that's the benefit of under 25 hp. And if going HST, be sure to get at least 3 ranges.

 

[woolyAcres]

The Bobcat CT2025 and the Kioti CK2610 would both fit with rScotty's recommendations: Stay away from the emissions eqipped tractors - that's the benefit of under 25 hp. And if going HST, be sure to get at least 3 ranges.

I'm not sure what the new bells and whistles are on the updated Kioti model. I do suggest you sit on it before buying anything and I'd personally test thoroughly the loader behavior of the CK2610. As mentioned ours is very hard to dump and curl smoothly, and it's very difficult to operate 2 functions at once (like lift and curl or lower and dump). It's possible but the target zone is very small.

Other things that I would look for are extendable link arms (ours doesn't have that) and adjustable stabilizers. Ours only has turnbuckles which are frustrating. Not sure how much I'd pay for those but more than 2 years later I wouldn't be complaining if they'd been part of the deal and the price were $500 more. Seems a bit steep but once paid for they continue to make life easier. Instead I bust my knuckles every time I try to adjust them.

 

[woolyAcres]

Regarding parts for my CT2025 I've purchased from MichiganIron. Bought the rear remotes kit and installed it myself. No problem getting parts.

 

[2manyrocks]

$24,999 for a 25hp class tractor, but $27,900 buys a 48.5hp TYM T474 that can do all the horse related work and has enough HP for cutting fields at a reasonable pace.

 

[WinterDeere]

Regarding the cutter, it's a 5 foot version. I don't think I'd sell it for a 4 foot as the zero turn is the same size. I do have a friend with a sub compact and a 4 foot cutter that they are happy with but they don't have a zero turn. Once we bought the z turn the Bush hog has been sitting.

You beat me to it, but I was going to suggest a 4 ft. brush cutter. In fact, I bought a 4 ft. Woods back when I had my Deere 855 (23 hp), which I no longer need, just PM me if you're interested. A 5 ft brush cutter is easier to find in good condition on the used market, but if buying new or willing to hunt, the 4 ft. is a great option for those with less HP and not cutting acres upon acres.

Also, regardless of HP, there are some stability issues in hanging a 5 ft. brush hog off the back of a small tractor. They hang way out there, and can lift your front tires on a hill, if you're not careful.

 

[WinterDeere]

And if going HST, be sure to get at least 3 ranges.

Only really important if doing over the road travel between properties. I dealt with 2-speed HST's for years, and it was a total non-issue. The only time I even use high range on my current machine is when driving up the road to another property.

 

[ptsg]

Front end loader capacity should be the last thing on your list. It is too easy to change as an advertising spec and has been used as a newbie lure for decades.
I believe that anything over 800 lbs to full height will be more than you should be lifting or carrying on that size tractor anyway.
Stay away from the emissions eqipped tractors - that's the benefit of under 25 hp. And if going HST, be sure to get at least 3 ranges.

I've been reading loads of statements like this sent towards any brand that lifts or does more than the orange and green brands.

Has there been any actual proof of those false advertisements?

 

[Tractorable]

Sure would be nice if there was a tractor shootout comparing similar tractors side by side. Let’s see what they can do. They got’em for cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc….why not tractors??